In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract from Meconopsis integrifolia (Maxim.) Franch

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Meconopsis integrifolia (Maxim.) Franch is a high mountain endemic species used as a traditional Tibetan and Mongolian herb to treat hepatitis, pneumonia, and edema. This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Meconopsis integrifolia ethanolic extract (MIE) in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods

The in vitro antioxidant property of MIE was investigated by employing various established systems. Rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury were used to assess the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of MIE in vivo. The level or activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TB) in the blood serum and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) in the liver and kidney of the rats were assayed using standard procedures.

Results

MIE exhibited strong antioxidant ability in vitro. In the rats with CCl₄-induced liver injury, the groups treated with MIE and silymarin showed significantly lower levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and TB. MIE demonstrated good antioxidant activities in both the liver and kidney of the rats in vivo.

Conclusions

MIE exhibits excellent hepatoprotective effects and antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo, supporting the traditional use of Meconopsis integrifolia in the treatment of hepatitis.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of the methanolic extract from Halenia elliptica

Aims of study

Halenia elliptica, a medicinal herb of Tibetan origin, was commonly used in folk medicine to treat hepatitis. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Halenia elliptica against experimentally induced liver injury.

Materials and methods

The antioxidant property of methanolic extract (ME) of Halenia elliptica was investigated by employing various established in vitro systems. The ME of Halenia elliptica was studied here for its hepatoprotective effects against CCl₄-induced liver toxicity in rats. Activity was measured by monitoring the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin.

Results

The ME possessed strong antioxidant activity in vitro. The results of CCl₄-induced liver toxicity experiment showed that rats treated with the ME of Halenia elliptica (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), and also the standard treatment, silymarin (50 mg/kg), showed a significant decrease in ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin levels, which were all elevated in the CCl₄ group (p < 0.01). The results observed after administration of 100 mg/kg ME were comparable to those of silymarin at 50 mg/kg (p > 0.05). The ME did not show any mortality at doses up to 2000 g/kg body weight.

Conclusion

These results seem to support the traditional use of Halenia elliptica in pathologies involving hepatotoxicity, and the possible mechanism of this activity may be due to strong free radical-scavenging and antioxidant activities of ME.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Phaseolus trilobus,Ait on bile duct ligation induced liver fibrosis in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Phaseolus trilobus Ait (Fabaceae) is extensively used by tribal people of Nandurbar district (Maharashtra, India) in the treatment of Jaundice and other liver disorders.

Aim

of the present study was to assess the medicinal claim of Phaseolus trilobus as hepatoprotective and antioxidant.

Material and methods

The hepatoprotective activity of methanol and aqueous extract of Phaseolus trilobus was evaluated by bile duct ligation induced liver fibrosis and antioxidant activity was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo antioxidant models viz anti-lipid peroxidation assay, super oxide radical scavenging assay and glutathione estimation in liver. Liver function tests were carried out to detect hepatoprotective activity, which was further supported by histopathological examination.

Results

Methanol and aqueous extracts of Phaseolus trilobus reduced elevated level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bilirubin and hydroxyproline significantly (p < 0.01) in bile duct ligated Wistar rats, proving hepatoprotective activity comparable with Silymarin. Both the extracts were found to reduce the elevated levels of serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and elevate superoxide scavenging radical activity proving antioxidant activity comparable with ascorbic acid. The reduced level of glutathione was found to be elevated in liver proving antioxidant activity comparable with Silymarin.

Conclusion

Phaseolus trilobus posses hepatoprotective property and is effective in oxidative stress induced cholestatic hepatic injury.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Cuscuta chinensis against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Tu-Si-Zi, the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (Convolvulaceae), is a traditional Chinese medicine that is commonly used to nourish and improve the liver and kidney conditions in China and other Asian countries. As oxidative stress promotes the development of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity, the aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant activities of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C chinensis on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The C chinensis ethanolic extract at an oral dose of both 125 and 250mg/kg showed a significant hepatoprotective effect relatively to the same extent (P<0.05) by reducing levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In addition, the same ethanolic extract prevented the hepatotoxicity induced by APAP-intoxicated treatment as observed when assessing the liver histopathology. Regarding the antioxidant activity, C chinensis ethanolic extract exhibited a significant effect (P<0.05) by increasing levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In contrast, the same doses of the aqueous extract of C chinensis did not present any hepatoprotective effect as seen in the ethanolic extract, and resulted in further liver deterioration. In conclusion, these data suggest that the ethanolic extract of Cuscuta chinensis can prevent hepatic injuries from APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and this is likely mediated through its antioxidant activities.     

Hepatoprotective action of Orthosiphon diffusus (Benth.) methanol active fraction through antioxidant mechanisms: An in vivo and in vitro evaluation

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Preparations of Orthosiphon diffusus (Benth.) have been used by folk medicinal practitioners in the Western Ghats of India for treating inflammation, hepatitis and jaundice for many years and their effectiveness is widely acclaimed among the tribal communities.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the mechanisms behind the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of Orthosiphon diffusus methanol active fraction (MAF) using in vivo (rat) and in vitro (cell culture) models.

Materials and methods

Neutralization of CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity by MAF was evaluated in rats. Towards this, serum levels of hepatic injury markers (lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase), antioxidant enzymes in the liver homogenates, and histological examination were performed. In in vitro studies, mechanisms of neutralization of H₂O₂-induced toxicity by MAF using MTT, Comet assay and up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes at genetic level (RT-PCR) was performed in HepG2 cells.

Results

Rats pre-treated with Orthosiphon diffusus MAF demonstrated significantly reduced levels of serum LDH (1.3-fold, p<0.05) and ALP (1.6-fold, p<0.05). Similarly, multiple dose MAF administration demonstrated significantly enhanced levels (p<0.05) of antioxidant enzymes in the liver homogenates. Histological analysis revealed complete neutralization of CCl₄-induced liver injury by the extract. The in vitro studies demonstrated that, pre-treatment of MAF effectively prevented H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, genotoxicity and significantly enhanced (~6-fold, p<0.01) expression of genes for antioxidant enzymes.

Conclusions

Orthosiphon diffusus MAF demonstrated significant hepatoprotection against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity by antioxidant mechanisms comparable to silymarin. H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress was completely neutralized by MAF through enhanced expression of genes for antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, this study validates the use of Orthosiphon diffusus by folk medicinal practitioners in India. Further, MAF of Orthosiphon diffusus can serve as a strong candidate for the development of herbal hepatoprotective agents.     

糙苏素的抗肿瘤活性研究

目的:探讨藏药螃蟹甲中环烯醚萜类成分糙苏素(phlomiol)的抗肿瘤作用.方法:采用MTT法检测糙苏素对体外培养的2种人肿瘤细胞增殖的抑制作用;体内试验采用小鼠实体瘤S180、肝癌H22细胞株接种小鼠,连续给药14 d,计算抑瘤率.采用MTT比色法检测糙苏素对S180荷瘤小鼠NK细胞杀伤活性的影响和对S180荷瘤小鼠T淋巴细胞增殖反应的影响.结果:糙苏素在50～150 mg·L-1对2种肿瘤细胞增殖均有抑制作用,且呈剂量依赖关系(r=0.989,P<0.05);体内试验结果显示小鼠分别灌胃给予2.5,5,10 mg·kg-13个剂量的糙苏素,对接种的实体瘤S180、肝癌H22细胞株的抑瘤率分别为28.5%～65.0%.35.0%～74.5%.同时,糙苏素可显著提高S180荷瘤小鼠淋巴细胞增殖活性(P<0.05),显著增加S180荷瘤小鼠NK细胞的杀伤能力(P<0.05).结论:糙苏素对体外培养的人肿瘤细胞和接种的小鼠肿瘤具有明显抑制作用,能够增强淋巴细胞增殖功能和NK细胞的杀伤能力,具有抗肿瘤和免疫调节功能.     

射干提取物体内体外抑菌作用的研究

目的:研究射干提取物的体内外抑菌作用。方法:通过测定抑菌圈直径考察射干提取物对不同菌株的敏感性;采用2倍稀释法检测射干提取物的最小抑菌浓度(MIC);通过ip金黄色葡萄球菌观察射干提取物低、中、高(0.46,0.92.1.84g.kg-1)3个剂量ig给药7 d对小鼠的致死保护率。结果:肺炎链球菌、铜绿假单胞菌对射干提取物有较强的敏感性,金黄色葡萄球菌、大肠埃希菌、无乳链球菌、化脓链球菌、痢疾志贺菌对射干提取物中度敏感;射干提取物对金黄色葡萄球菌、肺炎链球菌、大肠埃希菌、铜绿假单胞菌、无乳链球菌、化脓链球菌、痢疾志贺菌的最小抑菌浓度(MIC/g.mL-1)分别为0.062 5,0.015 6,0.250 0,0.031 2,0.015 6,0.015 6,0.062 5;射干提取物低、中、高3个剂量组均显著降低金黄色葡萄球菌酵母悬液引起的小鼠死亡率,死亡率分别为45%,35%,30%,与模型对照组死亡率100%比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论:射干提取物体内体外对所试菌株均有抑菌作用。     

雄黄致体内外染色体畸变

目的:用仓鼠体内染色体畸变试验和中国仓鼠肺细胞CHL细胞染色体畸变试验评价雄黄的遗传毒性.方法:体内染色体畸变试验用毛足属仓鼠连续ig5 d给予33.25,66.5,133 mg·kg-1剂量雄黄悬浊液,处死前2 h ip秋水仙素.处死后取骨髓细胞制备染色体.油镜下观察每只动物骨髓细胞的有丝分裂指数和100个中期分裂相细胞的畸变类型.CHL细胞染色体畸变试验用雄黄浸出液终质量浓度为0.15,0.3,0.6g.L-1作用于CHL细胞,培养24 h或48 h,终止培养前4h加入秋水仙素.收获细胞,制备染色体,油镜下观察CHL细胞有丝分裂指数和200个中期分裂相细胞的畸变类型.结果:①雄黄265.0 mg· kg -1组和雄黄530.0 mg·kg-1组ig给药和雄黄浸出液(1.2,2.4g·L-1)作用于CHL细胞显示有明显的抑制有丝分裂作用.②与阴性对照组比较,雄黄ig给药仓鼠体内染色体畸变率和雄黄体外给药CHL细胞染色体畸变率均显著升高,差异有极显著意义,且有明显的量效关系.但体内试验的畸变率低于体外试验.③雄黄给药后CHL细胞染色体畸变试验中可见较多的染色体断片,而仓鼠体内染色体畸变试验中未发现,这可能与体内外药物作用的方式不同.结论:①雄黄能致体内外细胞染色体畸变,具有遗传毒性.②仓鼠体内染色体畸变试验可作为中药新药遗传毒性评价试验组合的方法之一.     

Hepatoprotective activity of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. et. Thonn. extract in ethanol treated rats: in vitro and in vivo studies

The present study was undertaken to investigate the protective effect and possible mechanism of aqueous extract from Phyllanthus amarus Schum. et. Thonn. (PA) on ethanol-induced rat hepatic injury. In the in vitro study, PA (1-4 mg/ml) increased %MTT reduction assay and decreased the release of transaminases (AST and ALT) in rat primary cultured hepatocytes being treated with ethanol. Hepatotoxic parameters studied in vivo included serum transaminases (AST and ALT), serum triglyceride (STG), hepatic triglyceride (HTG), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta), together with histopathological examination. In acute toxicity study, single dose of PA (25, 50 and 75 mg/kg, p.o.) or SL (silymarin, a reference hepatoprotective agent, 5 mg/kg), 24h before ethanol (5 g/kg, p.o.) lowered the ethanol-induced levels of transaminases (AST and/or ALT). The 75 mg/kg PA dose gave the best result similar to SL. Treatment of rats with PA (75 mg/(kg day), p.o.) or SL (5 g/(kg day), p.o.) for 7 days after 21 days with ethanol (4 g/(kg day), p.o.) enhanced liver cell recovery by bringing the levels of AST, ALT, HTG and TNF-alpha back to normal. Histopathological observations confirmed the beneficial roles of PA and SL against ethanol-induced liver injury in rats. Possible mechanism may involve their antioxidant activity.     

Hepatoprotective effects of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.): a combination of antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities

Aim of the study

Gimjeng and Chakapat lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity on CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Materials and methods

Fruit pulp extracts of the lychees were examined for vitamin C, phenolic contents, anti-lipid peroxidation activity and hepatoprotective effect. Male Wistar albino rats were intraperitoneally injected (ip) with CCl₄ (2 ml/kg), then were orally administered (po) with silymarin (100 mg/kg), and Gimjeng or Chakapat extracts (100 and 500 mg/kg). After ten days, the rats were sacrificed and their livers were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Their serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, glutamate-oxalate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase activities were analyzed. Apoptotic activity of the livers was assessed quantitatively.

Results

The Gimjeng and Chakapat extracts showed the contents of vitamin C (1.2 ± 0.6 and 4.3 ± 0.1 mg/100 g) and phenolics like trans-cinnamic acid and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside (9.80 ± 0.21 and 19.56 ± 0.4 mg GAE/g extract, respectively), and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values (11.64 and 9.09 g/mg trolox), respectively. The Gimjeng as compared to the Chakapat demonstrated a better antioxidant activity as revealed by anti-lipid peroxidation activity with the TEAC values. Administration of CCl₄ in rats elevated the serum GPT, GOT, and ALP level whereas silymarin, Gimjeng and Chakapat extracts prevented these increases significantly. Significant decrease of apoptotic cells together with restoration of morphological changes confirmed the hepatoprotective effect in the CCl₄-induced rats pretreated with the extracts.

Conclusion

Antioxidant properties of the Gimjeng and Chakapat lychees as evidenced by the vitamin C and phenolic compounds, anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-apoptosis could explain the hepatoprotective effects in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity.     

Evaluation of toxicity of Calophyllum brasiliense stem bark extract by in vivo and in vitro assays

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Calophyllum brasiliense Camb., Clusiaceae, is commonly known as “guanandi” and its stem bark is used in Brazilian traditional medicine to treat rheumatism, vein problems, hemorrhoids and gastric ulcers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of hexane extract of Calophyllum brasiliense stem bark (HECb) using in vitro and in vivo experimental models.

Materials and methods

In vitro toxicity was evaluated by Alamar Blue cytotoxicity assay and micronucleus test, using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-k1) epithelial cells. in vivo toxicity was evaluated by oral acute and subchronic toxicity assays. In the oral acute toxicity screening, a single dose of HECb was administered to mice at doses ranging from 250 to 1000 mg/kg. In the subchronic study, HECb was administered orally for 30 days to Wistar rats at doses of 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. Phytochemical analyses were performed by HPLC/UV–vis, secondary metabolites were quantified by spectrophotometric methods.

Results

HECb presented IC₅₀=119.94±4.31 µg/mL after a 24 h cytotoxicity test using CHO-k1 cells, showing low cytotoxicity. However, when the cells were exposed to HECb for 72 h, the IC₅₀ value was 8.39±2.00 µg/mL, showing in this case, a pronounced cytotoxic effect. In the oral acute toxicity studies, doses up to 500 mg/kg of HECb did not cause any changes in both male and female mice. At 1000 mg/kg, male mice showed signs typical of depression and stimulation that were reversed at 72 h. Besides, female mice were more sensitive to the toxic effect of HECb at 1000 mg/kg, which initially presented typical agitation signals, followed by depression signals, leading to death of all the animals at 24 h. In subchronic assay with rats, HECb administered orally at doses of 100 and 500 mg/kg did not cause significant changes in all clinical parameters evaluated. Histopathological analyses showed no deleterious effect in the vital organs of rats. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, steroids, and volatile coumarins. Analysis by HPLC showed two major peaks characteristic of chromanones.

Conclusions

In vitro toxicological tests showed that HECb exhibited cytotoxicity especially after 72 h of exposition, and mutagenicity on the highest tested dose. The in vivo studies demonstrated that HECb produced some toxicity signs at the highest dose tested, particularly, in the acute toxicity test but showed no significant signs of toxicity in the subchronic assay. Based on these and previous pharmacological studies, it is possible to say that HECb did not exhibit significant toxicity at its effective dose. This suggests that HECb is relatively safe in humans at its effective dose.     

Genotoxic assessment of Rubus imperialis (Rosaceae) extract in vivo and its potential chemoprevention against cyclophosphamide-induced DNA damage

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Rubus imperialis Cham. Schl. (Rosaceae) is frequently used in traditional medicine as hypoglycemic, antinociceptive and antiviral remedy.

Materials and methods

Swiss albino mice were distributed in eight groups for acute treatment with Rubus imperialis extract (24 h). The extract doses selected were 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w. administered by gavage alone or plus to CPA (50 mg/kg b.w.) administered by intraperitoneal injection. Control groups were treated in a similar way. Analyses were performed using the comet assay, on leukocytes (collected 4 and 24 h after treatment) and liver (collected 24 h after treatment), and using the micronucleus test (MN) in bone marrow cells. Cytotoxicity was assessed by scoring 200 consecutive polychromatic (PCE) and normochromatic (NCE) erythrocytes (PCE/NCE ratio).

Results and conclusion

The main compounds identified in the Rubus imperialis extract were saponins and steroidal compounds, with niga-ichigoside and tormentic acid being the major compounds. Tested doses of Rubus imperialis extract showed no genotoxic effects on leukocytes from peripheral blood or liver cells by the comet assay. However, the MN test showed an increase in the frequency of micronucleated cells at the two higher doses tested, indicating that this extract has clastogenic/aneugenic effects on bone marrow cells at higher doses. On the other hand, for all cells evaluated, the three tested doses of the Rubus imperialis extract promoted inhibition of DNA damage induced by CPA. Despite the chemoprevention observed, the clastogenicity/aneugenicity observed suggested caution about either continuous or high-dose usage of Rubus imperialis aerial parts extract by humans.     

In vitro and in vivo safety evaluation of Acer tegmentosum

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Acer tegmentosum, which contains salidroside and tyrosol, has been used for the treatment of hepatic disorders in eastern Asia. However, little is known about its safety.

Aim of the study

To determine the safety of Acer tegmentosum, we evaluated its acute oral toxicity and genotoxicity profiles.

Materials and methods

Salidroside and tyrosol present in Acer tegmentosum were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Acute oral toxicity testing of Acer tegmentosum was performed in rats. Genotoxicity of Acer tegmentosum was assessed by bacterial reverse mutation, chromosomal aberration, and bone marrow micronucleus tests. All the tests were conducted in accordance with the good laboratory practices.

Results

The amounts of salidroside and tyrosol in Acer tegmentosum were found to be 85.01±1.21 mg/g and 3.12±0.04 mg/g, respectively. In the bacterial reverse mutation test, Acer tegmentosum increased the number of revertant Salmonella typhimurium TA98 colonies, regardless of metabolic activation by S9 mixture. In contrast, Acer tegmentosum application did not significantly increase the number of chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in mice. In the acute oral toxicity test, the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of Acer tegmentosum was found to be >2000 mg/kg in rats.

Conclusion

Take together, Acer tegmentosum exhibits mutagenicity, which was evident from the bacterial reverse mutation test. Further studies are needed to identify the components responsible for such an effect and the underlying mechanisms.     

In vitro and in vivo antimalarial and cytotoxic activity of five plants used in congolese traditional medicine

Aim of the study

The in vitro antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of methanolic and dichloromethane extracts from five Congolese plants were evaluated. The plants were selected following an ethnobotanical survey conducted in D.R. Congo and focusing on plants used traditionally to treat malaria. The in vivo antimalarial activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts active in vitro was also determined in mice infected by Plasmodium berghei berghei.

Materials and methods

The growth inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum strains was evaluated using the measurement of lactate dehydrogenase activity. The extracts (aqueous, CH₃OH, EtOH and CH₂Cl₂) were prepared by maceration and tested in vitro against the 3D7 (chloroquine sensitive) and W2 (chloroquine resistant) strains of Plasmodium falciparum and against the human normal fetal lung fibroblasts WI-38 to determine the selectivity index. Some extracts were also used at the dose of 300 mg/kg to evaluate their activity in mice infected since 4 days by Plasmodium berghei.

Results

Two plants presented a very high activity (IC₅₀ < 3 μg/ml). These plants were Strychnos icaja roots bark (MeOH and CH₂Cl₂) and Physalis angulata leaves (MeOH and CH₂Cl₂). One plant (Anisopappus chinensis whole plant, MeOH and CH₂Cl₂) presented a high activity (IC50 < 15 μg/ml). The extracts of Anisopappus chinensis and Physalis angulata showed also a good inhibition of parasitemia in vivo. Flavonoids, phenolic acids and terpenes were identified in these plants by a general phytochemical screening method.

Conclusion

Three plants showed a very interesting antiplasmodial activity (Anisopappus chinensis, Physalis angulata and Strychnos icaja) and one of them showed a good selectivity index (>10, Anisopappus chinensis). Anisopappus chinensis and Physalis angulata were also active in vivo.     

Neuropharmacological in vivo effects and phytochemical profile of the extract from the aerial parts of Heteropterys brachiata (L.) DC. (Malpighiaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Heteropterys brachiata is a plant species that has been used in traditional Mexican medicine for the treatment of nervous disorders.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant and sedative effects produced by the methanolic extract of Heteropterys brachiata (HbMeOH) in ICR mice. Additionally, we determine the acute toxicity profiles of the extract and the presence of its main constituents.

Material and methods

The neuropharmacological effects of the extract were evaluated using a variety of models, such as the elevated plus maze (EPM), the forced swimming test (FST), the pentobarbital potentiation test (PTBt), pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures test (PTZt), and the open field test (OFT). HPLC was employed for obtention of phytochemical profile.

Results

HbMeOH produced a significant antidepressant effect in FST at 500 and 750 mg/kg doses, while doses from 500 to 1500 mg/kg exhibited a clear dose-dependent anxiolytic activity in EPM. A dose of 500 mg/kg showed a significant anticonvulsant activity in PTZt and an absence of sedation effects in PTBt. The main compounds of HbMeOH were chlorogenic acid and chlorogenic acid methyl ester, as well as less abundant terpene-type compounds. Furthermore, the extract was either safe with no deaths in mice treated orally with 2000 mg/kg.

Conclusions

HbMeOH extract which contains mainly hydroxycinnamic acids and triterpene-type compounds, possesses antidepressant, anxiolytic and anticonvulsive properties and can be considered safe or of low toxicity when orally administrated. These findings lend pharmacological justification to the traditional use of Heteropterys brachiata in the treatment of nervous disorders.     

Anti-tumor activity and relative mechanism of ethanolic extract of Marsdenia tenacissima (Asclepiadaceae) against human hematologic neoplasm in vitro and in vivo

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Marsdenia tenacissima, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, endemic to Yunnan Province is widely used to treat cough, asthma, expectorant, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro and in vivo anti-hematologic neoplasm potential of the ethanolic extract of this herb (crude ethanolic extract of Marsdenia tenacissima, CME) and by using different assays to elucidate its possible mechanism of action.

Materials and methods

The cytotoxicity of CME on tumor cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was evaluated using MTT and apoptosis assays. We also tested the effect of CME on colony formation inhibition and cell cycle distribution of tumor cells. The protein expressions of Cyclin D1, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and caspase-9 were detected through Western blotting. In vivo anti-tumor effect was evaluated by measuring tumor volume changes, measuring tumor weight, evaluation of tumor microvessel density (MVD) and TUNEL staining by using immunohistochemistry staining in tumor models of nude mice.

Results

Marsdenia tenacissima ethanolic extract exhibited effects of proliferation inhibition and induction of apoptosis on human hematologic neoplasm tumor cells in vitro, as well as hematologic neoplasm growth in vivo.

Conclusion

This study clearly indicated that the ethanolic extract of Marsdenia tenacissima displayed strong anti-tumor effects against hematologic neoplasm cells and could induce tumor cells apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, and also had a significant anti-angiogenic effect in vivo against tumor cell apoptosis. Its multi-mechanism of action might be associated with the cell cycle (G0/G1) arrest, induction of apoptosis through up-regulation protein expressions of Bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3 genes and down-regulation of the expressions of Cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 genes, a decrease in tumor microvessel density and an increase of TUNEL-positive cells in vivo. These findings provided the molecular theoretical basis of clinical application.     

In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activities of seeds of Caesalpinia bonduc (Lin.) Roxb.

Aim of the study

Caesalpinia bonduc (Lin.) Roxb. is a known drug in Ayurveda to treat various diseases specifically tumors, cysts and cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study was to assess in vitro as well as in vivo antimicrobial activity of Caesalpinia bonduc seeds.

Materials and methods

The in vitro antimicrobial activities of seed coat and seed kernel extracts were investigated by microbroth dilution assay. In vivo activities of hydro-alcoholic extracts were investigated in rat models of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia mimicking that in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Results

Various extracts of plant seeds exhibited in vitro antimicrobial activities in a range of 22–350 μg/ml. The extracts also showed activity against methicillin resistant (MR) Staphylococcus aureus and ampicillin resistant (AR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa as in the sensitive strains. In rat model of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia, hydro-alcoholic extracts of Caesalpinia bonduc seed kernel (CBSK) and Caesalpinia bonduc seed coat (CBSC) were injected subcutaneously in the test groups of animals. The control groups were treated with cortisone and saline. Two weeks after challenge with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the CBSK treated animals showed a significant bacterial clearance from the lungs (P < 0.04) and less severe incidence of lung abscess (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Results showed that Caesalpinia bonduc may have the potential to be promising natural medicine, with other forms of treatments, for CF patients with chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Amaranthus spinosus against CCl4 induced toxicity

Aim

50% ethanolic extract (ASE) of Amaranthus spinosus (whole plant) was evaluated for in vitro antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.

Methods

The total phenolics and reducing capacity of ASE was determined using standard curve of gallic acid (0–1.0 mg/ml) and butylated hydroxy anisole. In vitro antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide scavenging methods. The hepatoprotective activity of ASE was evaluated at 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 μg/ml concentration against CCl₄ (1%) induced toxicity in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes and HepG2 cells.

Results

ASE was found to contain 336 ± 14.3 mg/g total polyphenolics expressed as gallic acid equivalent while the reducing capacity was 2.26 times of BHA. ASE showed significant antioxidant activity in DPPH assay (IC₅₀ 29 μg/ml), scavenges superoxide (IC₅₀ ∼ 66–70 μg/ml), hydrogen peroxide (IC₅₀ ∼120–125 μg/ml), hydroxyl radicals (IC₅₀ ∼140–145 μg/ml) and nitric oxide (IC₅₀ ∼ 135–140 μg/ml). ASE (6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 μg/ml) was able to normalise the levels of biochemical parameters in isolated rat hepatocytes intoxicated with CCl₄. A dose dependent increase in percentage viability was observed in CCl₄ intoxicated HepG2 cells.

Conclusions

ASE possesses significant hepatoprotective activity which might be due to antioxidant defence factors and phenolics might be the main constituents responsible for activity.